Authorities across the Florida panhandle have joined in the search for a man suspected of kidnapping and beating a woman.

According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Chipley, their office responded to a call in reference to a possible kidnapping and assault at approximately 12:56 p.m., February 6th. Officers arrived at a residence on Eloise Road and found the victim, who’s name is being withheld at this time, severely beaten. Washington County EMS responded and transported the victim to the Northwest Florida Community Hospital in Chipley. The victim is listed in critical condition at this time.

Following interviews with the victim, investigators were able to piece together a timeline and identify a suspect, Christopher Cruz Walley, 25 year old white male, 5’11”, 230 lbs, with brown hair and green eyes.

The victim had been in a vehicle with Walley the previous day, Wednesday, February 5th, when without warning, Walley stopped the vehicle and proceeded to attack the victim by physically assaulting her with his hands. Walley then struck the victim numerous times with an expandable police baton, known as an asp, until the victim lost consciousness. The victim regained consciousness and found she had been moved to the trunk of the vehicle. Walley continued to travel throughout the evening and into the next day, Thursday, February 6th, making several stops with the victim still trapped in the trunk. Walley came to a stop on Eloise Road and the victim was able to escape to a nearby residence where a neighbor reported the incident to law enforcement.

Officers with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office have currently organized an extensive search for Walley with the assistance of FHP and the US Marshals. Walley is believed to be traveling in a 1998 Ford Expedition, white in color, with the tag number B905MA.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of Christopher Cruz Walley.

“We are actively employing all resources available to apprehend a suspect who violently attacked a resident of our community” states Sheriff Haddock. “We are all hands on deck until this case is resolved and we are asking the community to be vigilant in reporting anything that looks suspicious or that could be related to this case. Please contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office with this information immediately. As always, you can remain anonymous by reporting through 638-TIPS (8477)."